Kelso (NSW)

Kelso lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kelso (NSW) is around 11,338, reflecting a growth of 1,299 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 12.9% rise from the previously recorded population of 10,039. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Kelso's resident population at 11,309, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 290 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 357 persons per square kilometer. Kelso's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (2.2%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 60.0% to Kelso's overall population gains during recent periods, with all demographic drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Kelso is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an expected increase of 4,749 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 41.6% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Kelso among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Kelso has experienced around 106 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Approximately 531 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 34 approved so far in FY-26. This equates to an average of 2.6 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $472,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This financial year has seen $22.3 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kelso shows 137.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. New building activity comprises approximately 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Kelso reflects a transitioning market, with around 255 people per approval. Looking ahead, Kelso is expected to grow by approximately 4,720 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kelso has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include The Gateway Bathurst, MIR Group Residential Subdivision, Pretty Heights Estate, and Hynash Constructions' 123-Lot Subdivision. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment positions Kelso ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Kelso has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.0%. AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data shows that Kelso's unemployment rate is below Regional NSW's rate by 0.9%, at 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Kelso is high at 68.6%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, a low 11.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Kelso has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing show lower representation at 2.0%, compared to Regional NSW's average of 5.3%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0% and employment decreased by 3.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelso's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Kelso's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Kelso's median income among taxpayers was $53,360 and the average income stood at $64,355, compared to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $58,867 (median) and $70,996 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, Kelso's household, family and personal incomes ranked modestly at around the 49th to 50th percentiles. Income distribution showed that the predominant cohort was 35.8% of locals (4,059 people) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where 29.9% fell into this bracket. High housing costs consumed 15.2% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 51st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

Kelso is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Kelso, as per the latest Census data, 92.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of accommodation. This is in contrast to Regional NSW, where 82.6% of dwellings are houses and 17.4% are other types. Home ownership in Kelso stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged properties at 39.0% and rented dwellings at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kelso was $1,800, surpassing the Regional NSW average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Kelso was recorded as $360, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kelso's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kelso features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households compose 77.4% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Kelso fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (31.7%). Educational participation is high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.9% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Kelso has 160 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by 53 routes offering a total of 885 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents located an average of 139 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily using cars, which remain the dominant mode at 96%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. Only 11.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 126 trips per day across all routes, equating to about five weekly trips per stop. The map shows the 100 nearest stops to Kelso's geographical centre.

Health performance in Kelso is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kelso faces substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is approximately 52%, leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common conditions are asthma (10.5%) and mental health issues (9.4%). Around 63.9% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Kelso has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,927 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

Kelso is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kelso's cultural diversity was found to be below average. As of the 2016 Census, 90.8% of Kelso's population were born in Australia, with 92.1% being Australian citizens and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kelso, making up 63.4% of its population compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), English (31.1%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, certain ethnic groups had different representations: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.3% in Kelso versus 4.6% regionally, Lebanese at 0.4% compared to 0.2%, and Korean at 0.1%.

Kelso's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Kelso is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. The 15-24 age group comprises 14.0% of Kelso's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.9% to 14.0%, and the 5-14 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 14.1%. Population forecasts for Kelso in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 55% (846 people), reaching 2,400 from its current size of 1,553.